BBMP’s arguments most unfair
Sir, The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Commissioner has a lot of explaining to do to convince the public about its demands. The target amount has not been mentioned in the booklet. As per media reports, it is about Rs 600 crore. Assuming a reasonable average amount of Rs 1 lakh per application, the amount from two lakh applications will be Rs 2,000 crore which is far above the target. It will be even more if the number of houses are more. Second, the BBMP pleads its inability to revise the rates even though the rates are fixed by them.
Then, according to former Minister R Ashok, the government has not fixed the last date of December 14, but it is the BBMP which has fixed the date. Even after completing all formalities as required at that time by Deputy Commissioners and village panchayats for conversion and formation of layout, in the name of regularisation, all this is made irrelevant, it is most unfair .
K S Rao
Bangalore

Akrama?
Sir, It is because of government’s apathy in its inability to provide houses for the masses, that the public had to fend for themselves and be contented with City Municipal Council sites and other sites which were actually initially approved by concerned authorities as regards to registrations, issue of khata, plan approval etc by collecting relevant fees and taxes. Instead of appreciating the efforts made by the public and granting additional funds for development of such sites or houses, imposing fines in the name of Sakrama is illegal and in fact is akrama.
Sivakumar
Bangalore

Dowry death
Sir, Colaba resident Nisha Sharma’s suicide has put the spotlight again on the dowry system in India. Contrary to most beliefs, even the parents of the bride are to be blamed for perpetuating this evil. In wanting the best for their daughter, they spurn proposals within their reach, hankering after the cream of the grooms. And then they lament over unreasonable demands made by the groom and his parents. People, who denounce the practice of giving and taking dowry, should also stop the practice of searching for grooms and brides for their children.
AMJAD K MARUF
Thane

A sickening craze
Sir, This refers to the article Now on-line hate communities a rage (DH, Dec 3). The shocking revelations of on-line hate communities are quite alarming. Infact they do not serve any purpose. In a democratic set up, one is free to choose what one likes and discard what one does not like. But to form communities that share sentiments of hatred towards another person seems to be a sickness. These anti social behaviours originate from a disoriented psyche. So we need to be more responsible in dealing with the issues of this sort.
Thiranjala A
Mangalore

Murali’s feat
Sir, The unassailable 710 mark achieved by spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan will remain unbroken for a long time and it clearly shows the determination this man posses. He has gone past the genius Shane Warne in style, having begun his career as a traditional off spin bowler. He slowly mastered the doosra which fetched him most of the desired results.
K A CHANDER
Bangalore

Terror funding
Sir, I refer to the report Terror funding under scanner (DH, Dec 5) by the Union Finance Minister P Chidamabaram. The government’s action is welcome. With terrorism assuming alarming proportions, all sources of funding should be under the scanner and the surging stock markets could be a significant source. The other sector which may need the attention of the government is the real estate sector which has shown a disproportionate raise and is beyond the reach of the common man.
H N Ramakrishna
Bangalore